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Palynofacies patterns of the Middle Triassic ramp deposits (Mecsek Mts., S.

Hungary): A powerful tool for high-resolution sequence stratigraphy

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 Mitt. Ges. Geol. Bergbaustud. Österr., 46: 77-90, Wien 2003

Palynofacies patterns of Middle Triassic ramp deposits

(Mecsek Mts., S Hungary): A powerful tool for high-resolution
sequence stratigraphy

By

ANNETTE E. GÖTZ, ÁKOS TÖRÖK, SUSANNE FEIST-BURKHARDT & GYULA KONRÁD

with 6 figures and 2 plates

Key words:
Palynofacies
Sequence Stratigraphy
Middle Triassic
Anisian
Southern Hungary

Addresses of the authors:

ANNETTE E. GÖTZ
Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg
Institute of Geosciences
D-06099 Halle (Saale)
Germany
Fax: +49-345-552 7178
e-mail: goetz@geologie.uni-halle.de

ÁKOS TÖRÖK
Budapest University of Technology and Economics
Department of Construction Materials and Engineering Geology
Sztoczek u. 2.
H-1521 Budapest
Hungary
Fax: +36-1-463 2017,
e-mail: atorok@epito.bme.hu

SUSANNE FEIST-BURKHARDT
The Natural History Museum
Department of Palaeontology
Cromwell Road
London SW7 5BD, UK
Fax: +44-20-7942 5546
e-mail: s.feist-burkhardt@nhm.ac.uk

GYULA KONRÁD
University of Pécs
Department of Geology
Ifjúság útja 6
H-7624 Pécs
Hungary
Fax: +36-72-501 531
e-mail: konrad@ttk.pte.hu

Mitt. Ges. Geol. Bergbaustud. Österr. 46 S. 77-90 Wien 2003

77
GÖTZ, TÖRÖK, FEIST-BURKHARDT & KONRÁD: Palynofacies patterns of Middle Triassic ramp deposits...

Contents
Kurzfassung.............................................................................................................................................................................................78
Abstract.......................................................................................................................................................................................................78
1. Introduction............................................................................................................................................................................................78
2. Palaeogeography.......................................................................................................................................................................................79
3. Litho- and biostratigraphy....................................................................................................................................................................80
4. Sedimentary facies and depositional environment..............................................................................................................................81
5. Palynofacies..............................................................................................................................................................................................81
6. Discussion................................................................................................................................................................................................83
7. Conclusions.............................................................................................................................................................................................85
Acknowledgements........................................................................................................................................................................................85
References....................................................................................................................................................................................................85

Kurzfassung
Die vorliegende Arbeit beinhaltet die ersten Ergebnisse einer
integrierten Analyse der sedimentären und organischen
Fazies mitteltriassischer Karbonate Südungarns (Mecsek-
Gebirge). Die untersuchte Ablagerungsserie des Anis,
welche die Lapis- und Zuhánya-Limestone Formation sowie
den basalen Teil der Kozár-Limestone Formation umfaßt,
bildet einen Transgressions/Regressions-Zyklus dritter
Ordnung. Die stratigraphischen Veränderungen in der
Zusammensetzung der sedimentären organischen Substanz
dokumentieren diese transgressiv-regressive Entwicklung
des Ablagerungssystems. Charakteristische Palynofazies-
muster können daher für die sequenzstratigraphische Inter-
pretation genutzt werden. Darüber hinaus ermöglichen
palynostratigraphische Daten eine erste präzise Korrelation
mit der Ablagerungssequenz des Unteren Muschelkalk im
Germanischen Becken.
Das Beispiel aus der Mitteltrias Südungarns demonstriert
das große Anwendungspotential der Palynofaziesanalyse
in der hochauflösenden Stratigraphie mesozoischer Karbo-
natsysteme.
Abstract
Sedimentary facies and palynofacies of Muschelkalk ramp
deposits were investigated in outcrop sections from the
Mecsek Mountains in southern Hungary. The sedimentary
series studied in detail comprises the Anisian Lapis Lime-
stone Formation, Zuhánya Limestone Formation, and the
lowermost part of the Kozár Limestone Formation, repre-
senting a 3 rd order transgressive-regressive cycle.
Stratigraphic variations of sedimentary organic matter re-
flect the long-term transgressive-regressive trend. The ob-
served palynofacies patterns are interpreted in terms of se-
quence stratigraphy. Based on palynostratigraphic data a
first precise correlation with the Lower Muschelkalk se-
quence of the Germanic Basin is discussed. This integrated
approach highlights the potential of palynofacies analysis
as a powerful tool for high-resolution sequence stratigraphy
in Mesozoic carbonate systems.
1. Introduction
Sedimentary facies and palynofacies of Muschelkalk car-

Fig. 1: Location of the study area

in southern Hungary.

78

bonates were investigated in outcrop sections from the
Mecsek Mountains in southern Hungary (Fig. 1). The suc-
cession studied in detail represents the second T/R-cycle
recognized in the Middle Triassic of southern Hungary, com-
prising the Lapis Limestone Formation, Zuhánya Limestone
Formation, and the lowermost part of the Kozár Limestone
Formation (TÖRÖK 2000).
In this study we present the first results of an integrated
sedimentological and palynological analysis. Based on the
well-established lithostratigraphic framework, the
stratigraphic distribution of sedimentary organic matter has
been analysed with respect to relative sea-level changes.
Palynofacies patterns recognized in the investigated
Muschelkalk ramp deposits are first applied to high-resolu-
tion stratigraphy and sequence stratigraphical interpreta-
tion. Palynostratigraphic data enable a first precise correla-
tion with the Lower Muschelkalk sequence of the Germanic
Basin.
2. Palaegeography
During Middle Triassic times several ramp systems devel-
oped at the northwestern margin of the Tethys Ocean
(DERCOURT et al. 1993). Recently, Anisian ramp deposits were
described in detail from the western parts of the Northern
Calcareous Alps (RÜFFER 1995) and from the Dolomites
(ZÜHLKE 2000). A sequence stratigraphic interpretation was
published by RÜFFER & Z ÜHLKE (1995) and RÜFFER &
BECHSTÄDT (1998). The 3rd order depositional sequences rec-
ognized in the Middle Triassic of the northwestern Tethys
shelf were first correlated with those described from the
79
Mitt. Ges. Geol. Bergbaustud. Österr., 46: 77-90, Wien 2003
southeastern gate areas of the Germanic Basin in Poland
(Upper Silesia and Holy Cross Mountains) by SZULC (1999,
2000). The key sections (the ”missing link”) for correlating
Middle Triassic sequences of the Alpine and Germanic realm
are the Muschelkalk series of southern Hungary, which are
interpreted as deposits of a homoclinal ramp (TÖRÖK 1998)
east of the Vindelician-Bohemian Massif (Fig. 2).
3. Litho- and biostratigraphy
The Lapis Limestone Formation is a very characteristic
Germano-type lithostratigraphic unit of the Hungarian
Muschelkalk (Fig. 3). It consists of Anisian ”Wellenkalk-
type” ramp deposits, reaching a total thickness of more than
250 m. Five alternating lithological units are identified in this
sedimentary series: Flaser-bedded mudstones with thin
marlstone intercalations (”Wellenkalk”) building the most
prominent lithotype of the succession, as well as burrow-
mottled to nodular limestones, coquinoid floatstones (Pl.
1a, b), crinoid-bioclast packstones and grainstones, thin
partly dolomitized mudstones and marly mudstones (TÖRÖK
1998). Dolomitization is very rare and restricted to the basal
part and a narrow interval of the middle part of the Lapis
Limestone (Pl. 1d). Burrow-mottled to nodular limestones
(with small nodules) are also common lithotypes of this
stratigraphic unit. They comprise slightly bioturbated lime-
stones with recognizable trace fossils such as Rhizoco-
rallium sp. or Thalassinoides sp., and intensively biotur-
bated limestones where trace fossils are broken into small
nodules. Bioclastic beds are relatively rare and only found
as intercalations in the muddy carbonate sequence. Two
Fig. 2: Palaeogeography of the Late
Anisian (after DERCOURT et al. 1993).
The study area (Mck) was located
at the northwestern margin of the
Tethys Ocean close to the latitude
of 30° N. This area is considered to
be the palaeogeographic key loca-
tion for correlating Middle Triassic
depo-sitional sequences of the Al-
pine and Germanic realm. Abbrevia-
tions: AM - Armorican Massif, BM
- Vindelician-Bohemian Massif, Dol
- Dolomites, Hc - Holy Cross Moun-
tains, IM - Iberian Massif, LB - Lon-
don-Brabant Massif, MC - Massif
Central, Mck - Mecsek Mountains,
NCA - Northern Calcareous Alps,
US - Upper Silesia (modified from
TÖRÖK 1998).
GÖTZ, TÖRÖK, FEIST-BURKHARDT & KONRÁD: Palynofacies patterns of Middle Triassic ramp deposits...

forms are distinguishable: Coquina layers reaching a thick-

ness of only a few centimetres or building lenticular bodies
and slightly thicker crinoidal-bioclastic beds. In mudstone
beds sedimentary structures are very rarely recognizable,
meanwhile in calcisiltite beds hummocky cross-stratification
is observed. At the base of bioclastic beds or within mud-
stone sequences gutter casts are found. Slumps (Pl. 1c) and
synsedimentary deformation structures such as sygmoidal
beds or intraclastic layers (debris flows) are restricted to
single horizons.
The bivalve fauna of the Lapis Limestone Formation shows
a low diversity. It is characterized by scattered epibenthic
and semi-inbenthic forms: Entolium discites (SCHLOTHEIM
1820) and Modiola triquetra (SEEBACH 1862). According to
SZENTE (1997) the coquina beds contain specimens of Pleuro-
mya cf. elongata (SCHLOTHEIM 1822) and Pseudocorbula
gregaria (MÜNSTER in GOLDFUSS 1838), while the coarser
bioclastic layers are characterized by Lyriomyophoria
elegans (D UNKER 1848) besides Entolium discites
(SCHLOTHEIM 1820). The Lapis Limestone Formation was di-
vided into two crinoid zones by HAGDORN et al. (1997). The
lower part belongs to the Dadocrinus zone, while the upper
part is represented by specimens of the acutangulus zone,
indicating a Lower Anisian/early Pelsonian age of the for-
mation.

The nearly 100 m thick Zuhánya Limestone Formation repre-

sents the deepest and most open marine part of the entire
Muschelkalk succession, which is documented by the ap-
pearance of ”Terebratula beds”. Nodular mud-/wackestones,
brachiopod and bivalve shell beds and alternating lime-/
marlstones are the prevailing lithotypes in the lower and
middle part of the formation, whereas the upper part is char-
acterized by mottled limestones. Nodular mud-/wackestones
build the majority of rock types (Pl. 1e), while fossiliferous
beds form pavements (Pl. 1f). Shell beds (5 to 20 cm thick)
concentrate bivalves and brachiopods among which Coeno-
thyris vulgaris (SCHLOTHEIM 1820) prevails. Tetractinella
trigonella (SCHLOTHEIM 1820) and Punctospirella fragilis
(SCHLOTHEIM 1820) are also common forms (TÖRÖK 1993), while
bivalves are represented by Plagiostoma lineata (SCHLOT-
HEIM 1823), P. striata (SCHLOTHEIM 1823), Hoernesia socialis
(SCHLOTHEIM 1823), Bakevillia costata (SCHLOTHEIM 1820),
Enantiostreon difforme (SCHLOTHEIM 1823), Entolium discites
(SCHLOTHEIM 1820), and Pseudocorbula gregaria (see TÖRÖK
1993 and SZENTE 1997 for details). Macrofossils occur in both
allochthonous floatstones (disarticulated shells) and in par-
autochthonous shell beds (articulated brachiopods) (TÖRÖK
1998). Poorly preserved ceratites, single crinoid ossicles and
pluricolumnars have also been collected from these beds.
The fauna becomes sparse in the upper part of the formation
and yellowish, slightly dolomitic mottles appear. In these Fig. 3: Lithostratigraphic subdivision of the Middle Triassic
plastoclastic mud-/wackestones very few brachiopods, in southern Hungary, Mecsek Mts. (after TÖRÖK 1998, 2000
bivalves and crinoids occur. Rhombohedral-shaped pseudo- and KONRÁD 1999).
morphs after gypsum are rarely recognized within the clasts.
The fossil record, including conodonts (KOVÁCS & PAPSOVÁ
1986), ceratites, brachiopods (TÖRÖK 1993), and crinoids of In the central part of the Mecsek Mountains the Zuhánya
the dubius and silesiacus zones (HAGDORN et al. 1997) sug- Limestone Formation is overlain by a carbonate sequence
gests a late Pelsonian/early Illyrian age of the fossiliferous building the Kozár Limestone Formation. In the western part
part of the Zuhánya Limestone Formation. occurs a dolomitized sequence called Kán Dolomite (Fig. 3).
Primarily, the Kozár Limestone consists of platy mud-/

80

wackestones with very few bioturbated mudstones. The mo-
notonous series is interrupted by rare intercalations of ooid-
crinoid packstones and grainstones. These calcarenites form
discrete beds of 0.5 m to 1 m thickness, or lenticular and
fringing bodies. The small (0.2-0.5mm) rounded particles
(ooids, micro-oncoids) and bioclasts show intense diagen-
esis and are often recrystallized. Despite these diagenetic
alterations signs of cross-lamination and cross-bedding are
still visible. Besides ooidal-bioclastic layers thin debris flow
deposits (intraclastic layers and lenses), very small gutter
casts and very thin (1 cm) coquinas are common sedimentolo-
gical features of the mudstone sequence. The uppermost
part of the formation becomes darker and locally passes to a
thin oncoidal-bioclastic limestone (Plate 1g). These 1-2 me-
tres thick black shell beds of Trigonodus sp. (SZENTE 1997),
gastropods and plastically deformed large oncoids (7-8 cm
in diameter) represent the lowermost part of the Kantavár
Formation. Upsection black laminated calcareous marls and
limestones form a thick monotonous succession (Pl. 1h).
Besides gastropods also ostracods and charophytes were
found in these sediments (MONOSTORI 1996). The pyritized
and organic carbon-rich marls often show paper-lamination.
Still the chronostratigraphic delineation of these formations
remains unsatisfactory, although the bioclastic beds of the
Kozár Limestone yielded a crinoid fauna, belonging to the
silesiacus benthic crinoid biozone of Illyrian age. So far,
there are no bio- or chronostratigraphic data available for
the Kantavár Formation.
4. Sedimentary facies and depositional envi-
ronment
The entire Hungarian Muschelkalk was deposited on a
homoclinal ramp (TÖRÖK 1993) which was located at the north-
western margin of the Tethys Ocean. The carbonates of the
Lapis Limestone Formation are interpreted as mid ramp de-
posits, representing the transgressive phase of the second
3rd order sedimentary cycle within the Middle Triassic (Fig.
4). Flaser-bedded mudstones with thin marlstone layers as
well as burrow-mottled to nodular limestones document the
mid ramp fair-weather facies. The lower grade of bioturbation
in flaser-bedded mudstones indicates a higher sedimenta-
tion rate or moderately oxygenated bottom conditions. Hum-
mocky cross-stratification and rare current ripples on bed
tops refer to storms, whereas gutter casts are related to storm-
induced bottom currents (TÖRÖK 1998). Coquinoid float-
stones are interpreted as tempestites, displaying the mid
ramp storm facies. The small thickness and the small size of
transported bioclasts suggest a relatively distal mid ramp
origin. Crinoid-bioclast packstones and grainstones are con-
sidered as redeposited shoals of a proximal mid ramp setting
indicative of periods of severe storms. Thin, partly dolo-
mitized mudstones and marly mudstones in the basal and
middle part of the Lapis Limestone Formation are interpreted
as inner ramp deposits, indicating short-term phases of
shallowing.
The Zuhánya Limestone Formation includes the deepest
and most marine facies of the southern Hungarian Triassic.
Nodular mud-/wackestones and alternating lime-/marlstones
81
Mitt. Ges. Geol. Bergbaustud. Österr., 46: 77-90, Wien 2003
are interpreted as outer ramp fair-weather deposits (Fig. 4).
Most of the brachiopod and bivalve shell beds are records
of storm activity. The high rate of disarticulated brachiopod
shells and numerous amalgamated surfaces indicate multi-
ple storm events. More distal and muddy tempestites are
represented by parautochthonous shell beds. The regres-
sive phase of the 3rd order sedimentary cycle is already docu-
mented in the uppermost part of the Zuhánya Limestone
where mottled limestones occur. These carbonates are con-
sidered as redeposited sediments, which formed during
downslope migration of semiconsolidated carbonate mud.
They may mark synsedimentary tectonism (KONRÁD 1998),
similar to the sediments described from the Polish Muschel-
kalk Basin (SZULC 2000) or the seismites of the western Ger-
manic Basin (KNAUST 2002). They may also mark an initial
steepening of the ramp.
The platy mud-/wackestones of the Kozár Limestone For-
mation are monotonous mid ramp deposits (Fig. 4). The lack
of bioturbation may indicate dysaerobic bottom conditions
similar to the Polish and German Muschelkalk (SZULC 1993).
The ooid-crinoid packstones and grainstones are interpreted
as inner ramp shoal deposits, a part of which were trans-
ported offshore by currents to mid ramp settings. The large
oncoids with shell fragments were formed in a landward set-
ting of the ooid shoals in a restricted backshoal environ-
ment. The high organic content and low faunal diversity
suggests a stressed, slightly brackish environment.
The black paper-laminated marls and limestones of the
Kantavár Formation were formed in a partly dysaerobic,
brackish backshoal lagoon (Fig. 4). High amounts of land-
derived plant fragments and charophytes as well as the pres-
ence of pyrite support this interpretation.
5. Palynofacies
The term palynofacies was first introduced by COMBAZ (1964)
describing the total acid-resistant organic matter content of
sedimentary rocks within a specific depositional environ-
ment (cf. TYSON 1995). The spatial and stratigraphic varia-
tions in the distribution of sedimentary organic matter re-
flect changes in the depositional system related to relative
sea-level fluctuations. Detecting significant palynofacies
patterns within sedimentary series enables the characteriza-
tion of Transgressive deposits (TSd) and Highstand depos-
its (HSd) and the recognition of maximum flooding zones
(mfz) and sequence boundaries (sb) in terms of sequence
stratigraphy. Therefore, palynofacies analysis is a powerful
tool for high-resolution stratigraphy.
The classification of sedimentary organic matter used in this
study is modified from STEFFEN & GORIN (1993) and PITTET &
GORIN (1997). Two groups of organic constituents are distin-
guished: A continental, allochthonous fraction including
terrigenous phytoclasts, pollen grains, and spores and a
marine, relatively autochthonous fraction composed of
acritarchs, prasinophytes, and foraminiferal test linings (Fig.
5). The relative percentage of these organic constituents is
based on counting at least 300 particles in each slide.
The relative abundance of marine plankton appears as most
GÖTZ, TÖRÖK, FEIST-BURKHARDT & KONRÁD: Palynofacies patterns of Middle Triassic ramp deposits...

Fig. 4: Stratigraphy, sedimentary facies, depositional environment, and 3rd order transgressive-regressive cycles (T/R-
cycles) of the Middle Triassic of southern Hungary (modified from TÖRÖK 1998, 2000). Legend: 1 siltstones, 2 sandstones,
3 marls, 4 evaporites, 5 dolomites, 6 limestones, 7 ooids, 8 oncoids, 9 bioclasts, 10 platy, 11 nodular, 12 thick-bedded, 13
flaser-bedded, 14 cross-bedded.

important palynofacies parameter displaying transgressive- conditions of the water column. Another parameter reflect-
regressive and proximal-distal trends respectively. Depend- ing proximality changes within the sedimentary series is the
ing on proximity of land, water depth, temperature, salinity, ratio of opaque to translucent phytoclasts (OP/TR ratio).
and nutrient availability it is directly linked to the marine Generally, marine sediments show an offshore increase in

82

Fig. 5: Classification and preservation potential of sedimentary organic matter (modified from STEFFEN & GORIN 1993 and
PITTET & GORIN 1997) applied to Muschelkalk carbonates of southern Hungary.
the ratio of opaque to translucent woody material due to
fractionation during transport and the higher preservation
potential of opaque phytoclasts. However, in proximal high-
energy shelf areas this trend may be reversed by in-situ
(bio)oxidation, enhanced by the high porosity and perme-
ability of coarse-grained sediments (TYSON 1993). Therefore,
the size and shape of refractory opaque particles are addi-
tionally used to decipher proximal-distal trends. Small,
equidimensional woody fragments are characteristic of distal
deposits, whereas in proximal settings large, blade-shaped
particles are quite abundant (STEFFEN & GORIN 1993). In ad-
dition, proximal assemblages reveal a greater variety of par-
ticle sizes (TYSON 1993, TYSON & FOLLOWS 2000).
Palynofacies of the Lapis Limestone is characterized by a
high amount of bisaccate pollen grains (up to 38 %), whereas
spores remain rare (< 4 %) throughout the entire series (Pl.
2e). Most of the land-derived sporomorphs are highly de-
graded. Another striking feature is the high fragmentation
of these organic particles. Within the phytoclast group a
significant increase of opaque woody material is observed
in this stratigraphic unit, whereas translucent (“fresh”) par-
ticles follow the opposite trend: They are quite abundant in
the lower part of the Lapis Limestone (Pl. 2f), decreasing
towards the top. Marine components are dominated by
acritarchs (Micrhystridium spp.). In the lower part of this
unit the marine fraction reaches relative percentages up to
10 %. Within the upper part a significant increase is ob-
served (Fig. 6). Maximum abundance of marine plankton (38
83
Mitt. Ges. Geol. Bergbaustud. Österr., 46: 77-90, Wien 2003
%) occurs in the lower part of the Zuhánya Limestone (Pl.
2c, d), representing the most prominent palynofacies signa-
ture. The highest amount of opaque, mostly equidimensional
phytoclasts is recognized within the upper Zuhánya unit
(Pl. 2a). Land-derived sporomorphs are almost completely
absent.
The carbonates of the basal Kozár Limestone, which are
building the uppermost part of the studied section, are very
poor in sedimentary organic matter. Palynomorphs are poorly
preserved and highly oxidized. The phytoclast group is domi-
nated by opaque fragments with a significant proportion of
blade-shaped particles (Pl. 2b).
Stellapollenites thiergartii (M ÄDLER 1964) C LEMENT -
WESTERHOF et al. 1974, a marker species for the Anisian
(HOCHULI et al. 1989, VISSCHER et al. 1993), was identified in
samples from all studied stratigraphic units.
6. Discussion
Sedimentary features and palynofacies patterns recognized
in the investigated Muschelkalk ramp deposits of southern
Hungary clearly reflect a long-term transgressive-regressive
trend.
Stratigraphic variations of sedimentary organic matter may
be interpreted in terms of sequence stratigraphy. Palyno-
facies parameters indicative of proximal conditions (high
GÖTZ, TÖRÖK, FEIST-BURKHARDT & KONRÁD: Palynofacies patterns of Middle Triassic ramp deposits...

Fig. 6: Generalized section of the studied outcrops (Bükkösd, Orfü, Kozár) and relative abundance of marine plankton within
the Anisian of southern Hungary (Mecsek Mts.).

84

amount of fresh, translucent phytoclasts and land-derived
sporomorphs) decrease in the transgressive phase (Lapis
Limestone), reaching a low within the interval of maximum
flooding and early Highstand (Zuhánya Limestone). Their
proportion increases again during the late Highstand (basal
Kozár Limestone). Indicators of distal conditions (high per-
centage of opaque, equidimensional phytoclasts and ma-
rine plankton) follow the opposite trend. They are increas-
ing in the transgressive interval, reaching a maximum during
the phase of maximum flooding and in the early Highstand.
A decrease is observed in the late Highstand.
The described palynofacies patterns are also known from
Lower Muschelkalk carbonates of the intracratonic Germanic
Basin (GÖTZ & FEIST-BURKHARDT 2000, RAMEIL et al. 2000).
The phase of maximum flooding is recognized within the
Terebratelbank Member, which is characterized by amalga-
mated bioclastic limestones with numerous hard- and
firmgrounds and maximum abundance of marine plankton.
This eustatic signal corresponds to a peak transgression in
the Alpine realm during the Pelsonian (DE ZANCHE et al. 1993,
RÜFFER & ZÜHLKE 1995, RÜFFER & BECHSTÄDT 1998, GIANOLLA
et al. 1998). Transgressive deposits show a deepening-up-
ward trend from the red shale facies of the Upper
Buntsandstein to the shallow marine carbonates of the
Lower Muschelkalk. Within this stratigraphic interval a sig-
nificant increase of the marine fraction is observed.
Highstand deposits document a shallowing-upward trend
with prograding oolitic and peloidal limestones of the
Schaumkalkbank Member followed by the basal dolomites
of the Middle Muschelkalk. The relative abundance of ma-
rine plankton is decreasing again.
Furthermore, the appearance of Stellapollenites thiergartii
(MÄDLER 1964) CLEMENT-WESTERHOF et al. 1974 enables a
first precise biostratigraphic correlation of the Hungarian
Lapis Limestone Formation, Zuhánya Limestone Formation,
and the basal Kozár Limestone Formation with the Germanic
Lower Muschelkalk (Jena Formation).
A major difference between Muschelkalk deposits of the
landlocked intracratonic basin and the epicontinental shelf
area is the influence of storms, which was much stronger on
the Hungarian ramp system (TÖRÖK 1998). This is clearly
documented by characteristic sedimentary features (e.g.,
coquinas, hummocky cross-stratification) and palynofacies
signatures (e.g., intense fragmentation of palynomorphs,
high percentage of refractory opaque phytoclasts).
In both depositional environments the high amount of
bisaccate pollen grains within the continental sporomorph
assemblage is associated with the proximity to land areas
with coniferous vegetation (Vindelician-Bohemian Massif).
The high degree of biodegradation is indicative of highly
oxidizing, proximal settings.
7. Conclusions
Three transgressive-regressive cycles at a third order scale
were distinguished within the Middle Triassic of southern
Hungary (TÖRÖK 2000). Based on sedimentological signa-
85
Mitt. Ges. Geol. Bergbaustud. Österr., 46: 77-90, Wien 2003
tures, palynofacies patterns, and palynostratigraphic data
the second T/R-cycle is correlated with the Lower
Muschelkalk (Jena Formation) of the Germanic Basin.
The Lapis Limestone represents the Transgressive depos-
its (TSd) of the lower part of the Lower Muschelkalk
(“Wellenkalk”). Maximum flooding occurred within the ba-
sal unit of the Zuhánya Limestone, correlating with the
Terebratelbank Member. The upper part of the Zuhánya Lime-
stone represents the early Highstand deposits (eHSd),
whereas the lowermost unit of the Kózar Limestone may be
interpreted as late Highstand deposits (lHSd) which are the
stratigraphic equivalent of the Schaumkalkbank Member.
Stratigraphic variations of sedimentary organic matter re-
flect the long-term transgressive-regressive trend. The ma-
jor eustatic signal is documented by maximum abundance of
marine plankton within the upper Anisian (Zuhánya Lime-
stone). This interval represents a major transgression phase
during Pelsonian times related to a global sea-level rise.
Acknowledgements
This study is part of a project on Lower Muschelkalk se-
quence stratigraphy supported by the Deutsche
Forschungsgemeinschaft (project Fe 435/3-2). Financial sup-
port from the Hungarian National Science Fund (OTKA T
037652) to Á.T. and Gy. K. and the Széchenyi Fund to Á.T. is
also acknowledged. We thank Prof. Dr. Richard Lein and
Prof. Dr. Leopold Krystyn (Vienna) for carefully reviewing
our paper. The palynological processing was carried out by
Valbone Memeti and Joachim Krause at Darmstadt Univer-
sity of Technology. For technical assistance we want to thank
Ulrike Simons (Darmstadt).
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 Mitt. Ges. Geol. Bergbaustud. Österr., 46: 77-90, Wien 2003

Plate 1
Sedimentology of Middle Triassic ramp deposits of southern Hungary (Mecsek Mts.).

a) Synsedimentary deformation structure and thin storm coquina above (arrow), Lapis Limestone Formation (Gorica quarry).

b) Close view of thin storm generated bivalve coquina layer, Lapis Limestone Formation (Gorica quarry).

c) Slump in flaser-bedded mudstone (”Wellenkalk”), Lapis Limestone Formation (Gorica quarry).

d) Alternating laminated dolomitic limestone (pale yellow) and limestone (grey), indicating short-term phases of shallowing
within the Wellenkalk sequence, Lapis Limestone Formation (Bükkösd quarry).

e) Nodular mud-/wackestones, representing the deepest outer ramp facies of the entire Muschelkalk, Zuhánya Limestone
Formation (Bükkösd quarry, upper level).

f) Bedding plane of brachiopod (Coenothyris vulgaris) and bivalve shell beds, indicating the maximum flooding interval
within the Zuhánya Limestone Formation (Orfü, coin for scale is 1.5 cm).

g) Densely packed and plastically deformed large oncoids of the backshoal facies, basal part of the Kantavár Formation
(small path to Kisrét).

h) Dark paper-laminated calcareous marls and intercalating limestones of restricted lagoonal origin, Kantavár Formation
(Kantavár quarry).

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 Mitt. Ges. Geol. Bergbaustud. Österr., 46: 77-90, Wien 2003

Plate 2
Palynofacies and sequence stratigraphical interpretation of the second 3rd order T/R-cycle within the Middle Triassic
(Anisian) of southern Hungary (Mecsek Mts.).

a) Upper part of the Zuhánya Limestone (early Highstand deposits, eHSd): Highest amount of opaque, mostly equidimensional
phytoclasts.

b) Lowermost Kozár Limestone (late Highstand deposits, lHSd): Highest amount of blade-shaped particles within the phy-
toclast group.

c) and d) Lower part of the Zuhánya Limestone (maximum flooding zone, mfz): Maximum abundance of marine plankton.

e) Lapis Limestone (Transgressive deposits, TSd): High amount of bisaccate pollen grains.

f) Lower part of the Lapis Limestone (Transgressive deposits, TSd): High amount of translucent plant remains within the
phytoclast group.

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